The Arkansas State University (ASU) System Board of Trustees has approved four major policies aimed at enhancing information technology management and security across all campuses. These updates include revising the existing Appropriate Use of Information and Technology Resources Policy and introducing three new policies: an Artificial Intelligence Governance Policy, a Data Security and Classification Policy, and an Information and Technology Resource Security Policy.
ASU System President Todd Shields explained that implementation procedures for these policies will be developed to ensure consistency. Shields, in his first report since becoming president, shared findings from visits to campuses over the past three months, emphasizing the unique missions of the institutions in the system. "My job is not to make campuses alike, but to help them succeed," Shields said. "Higher education is changing quickly, and we must be willing to change, too."
New Arkansas State University (A-State) Chancellor Calvin White Jr. provided an update on enrollment growth efforts, noting six consecutive semesters of record enrollment. "That is something worth celebrating, but we are certainly not satisfied," White said. The university is launching an ambitious enrollment growth campaign, focusing on expanding recruitment in growing markets and strategically prioritizing resource investments. "As we grow, we are placing an even greater emphasis on managing resources, evaluating spending, and prioritizing investments in areas where demand is strong and growth is sustainable," White added.
Board members Jerry Morgan and Gary Harpole expressed support for the new leadership at A-State. Harpole, a parent of a freshman at the university, said he sees growing enthusiasm from students and the local business community. Morgan highlighted improvements in enrollment, recruitment, and retention efforts across the system.
In addition to the IT policies, the board approved bylaws for a new nonprofit organization, Arkansas State University Strategic Endeavors, Inc. The nonprofit will provide a structure for partnerships and transactions to address educational and facility needs, including research initiatives, infrastructure projects, and collaborations with private entities. Trustee Price Gardner described the nonprofit as "a vehicle that will help the continued drive to do some things," and praised Trustees Harpole and Carole Farmer for their leadership in establishing the organization.
The bylaws outline the nonprofit's board structure, its authority to oversee transactions, and conditions requiring additional approval from the Board of Trustees.